law-abiding

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "law-abiding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an individual or a group of people who generally stick to the laws or obey them. Example sentence: The citizens in this town were generally very law-abiding.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are remarkably law-abiding.

Independent

Law-abiding farmers are outraged.

The Economist

"We are law-abiding citizens.

The New York Times

A law-abiding citizen?

The Guardian - Opinion

You are a law-abiding football supporter.

Independent

Only law-abiding people follow gun laws".

The New Yorker

"We have been good, law-abiding citizens".

Independent

Innocent, law-abiding individuals, including children.

The New York Times

Muslims are generally good, law-abiding citizens.

The Economist

His parents were law-abiding.

The Guardian - Film

"We're just law-abiding citizens".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a community or group, using "law-abiding" can positively highlight its adherence to societal norms and regulations, enhancing its reputation.

Common error

While "law-abiding" is generally positive, avoid overuse in formal documents where more precise legal terms may be more appropriate. Using a variety of vocabulary adds nuance and prevents repetition.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "law-abiding" primarily functions to describe individuals or entities that consistently adhere to and respect the laws of a given society. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "law-abiding" is an adjective used to describe someone who obeys the laws. With several examples available, Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and general usability. It is most frequently used in News & Media contexts, and conveys a sense of trustworthiness and responsibility. While generally appropriate, overuse in highly formal legal contexts can be avoided by using more specific legal terms. Alternatives include "compliant with the law", "observant of the law", and "respectful of the law".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compliant with the law

Emphasizes adherence to legal regulations; a more formal alternative.

observant of the law

Highlights active attention and adherence to legal requirements.

respectful of the law

Indicates a sense of deference and compliance toward legal standards.

citizen obeying the law

Specifically refers to a person's action of following the law.

adhering to legal standards

Focuses on the act of conforming to established legal requirements.

following the rules

A more general term that implies adhering to established guidelines.

upright

Stresses moral rectitude and lawful behavior.

honest

Highlights integrity and a lack of deceitfulness, often associated with lawful conduct.

ethical

Focuses on adherence to moral principles and professional standards, related to legality.

principled

Emphasizes the adherence to a moral code, including respect for the law.

FAQs

How can I use the term "law-abiding" in a sentence?

You can use "law-abiding" to describe individuals, groups, or even countries that generally follow the laws and regulations. For example, "The community is known for its law-abiding citizens."

What are some synonyms for "law-abiding"?

Synonyms for "law-abiding" include "compliant with the law", "observant of the law", and "respectful of the law". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "law-abiding citizen"?

While "citizen" implies a connection to the law, specifying "law-abiding citizen" can emphasize the individual's adherence to legal standards, which might be useful in contexts where this is particularly relevant.

What's the difference between "law-abiding" and "legal"?

"Law-abiding" describes someone who follows the law, while "legal" refers to something that is permitted by law. For example, a "law-abiding" citizen engages in "legal" activities.